Hutchings planning a few more trips

Michael Hutchings arrived at Cal a little early last weekend for its spring game so the four-star linebacker from Concord (Calif.) De La Salle could chat with position coach Kenwick Thompson.

It was worthwhile getting to campus early.

"I got there a little early and met with coach Thompson, the linebackers coach, I sat down with him and so it was a productive day," Hutchings said.

"He was just trying to get me to consider all my options. I like to see what they have in store for me. I could possibly play early if I went there so I got more comfortable with him and it was a really positive meeting."

Something that could become a big deal - or might not pan out - is that Hutchings and some other recruits who have become close friends got even more acquainted during the visit and have at least discussed playing together in college.

Four-star standouts Eddie Vanderdoes, Aaron Cochran, Nico Falah, Darrell Daniels and others made the trip to Cal and even though Hutchings said he's going to make the best decision for himself that could include the consideration of where others are going to play as well.

"It was a good atmosphere there all day," Hutchings said. "It was really fun. There was a lot of camaraderie among the fans and the team and everybody was pretty excited."

USC is still considered the leader for Hutchings - and it's important to note he has a bunch of friends expected to go there as well - but others still are considered serious contenders in his recruitment.

Cal is among the schools still in the hunt and the four-star linebacker said he would like to visit Washington and Oregon, and possibly UCLA, before making his decision which could come before his senior season.

"I've seen everything else," Hutchings said. "I just need to see Washington and Oregon but my decision could be coming sometime this summer."

Rivals.com rates Hutchings as the fourth-best outside linebacker and No. 17 prospect in the 2013 class.